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Benfica Beats Sporting to Win Roller Hockey Super Cup

Benfica defeated Sporting in Saint Tirso to claim tenth Antonio Liberamento Super Cup A goal scored just 17 seconds before the final buzzer proved insufficient as S.L. Benfica secured a 3-2 victory over Sporting CP at the Municipal…

Benfica Beats Sporting to Win Roller Hockey Super Cup

Benfica defeated Sporting in Saint Tirso to claim tenth Antonio Liberamento Super Cup

A goal scored just 17 seconds before the final buzzer proved insufficient as S.L. Benfica secured a 3-2 victory over Sporting CP at the Municipal Pavilion of Santo Tirso, claiming the Antonio Livaramento Super Cup for the tenth time in club history. The decisive roller hockey clash kept the result in flux until the final seconds, with Benfica overturning a 1-0 halftime deficit. The match started at 12h00, bringing together two sides looking to bounce back after disappointment in the Elite Cup, where national champions Benfica had fallen 2-1 to Óquei de Barcelos in the semifinals and Portuguese Cup winners Sporting had suffered a 3-5 defeat against Oliveirense in the quarterfinals. Benfica coach Edu Castro viewed the prior setback as a learning opportunity, stating, We have to learn a lot from the last game, especially from the things that didn’t go well. while noting that the derby carried high intensity and motivation.

The strike allowed Edo Bosch’s squad to stabilize possession and blunt Benfica’s transition attacks through the remainder of the first half, while Sporting goalkeeper Xano Edo turned away multiple attempts from Martim Costa and Viti.

João Rodrigues and Zé Miranda score in second half

Benfica altered the momentum immediately after the interval. João Rodrigues equalized in the 28th minute by redirecting a pass from Pau Bargalló near the goalmouth. Shortly after, Facundo Navarro tested Pedro Henriques, forcing the Benfica goalkeeper into a double intervention, while another goal by João Rodrigues was disallowed for a foul following video review. Eight minutes later, with Nolito Romero serving a blue card penalty that left Sporting shorthanded, Zé Miranda capitalized with a long-range shot past Xano Edo to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead. Zé Miranda later threatened again in the 40th minute by hitting the goalpost.

Benfica Beats Sporting to Win Roller Hockey Super Cup
Photo: Site Oficial do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

As Benfica pressed to extend their margin, Xano Edo kept the Lions within striking distance by stopping a penalty from João Rodrigues and a direct free-kick from Pau Bargalló in quick succession. However, Gonçalo Pinto intercepted a ball at midfield in the 48th minute, broke away alone, and converted to make it 3-1. Because it was the second sanction issued to the substitutes, Sporting had to play down to three skaters.

Benfica extends undefeated derby streak to nine games

With only 17 seconds remaining on the clock, the Lions ran out of time to engineer an equalizer and force extra time. Pedro Henriques proved decisive in the closing stages against further attempts by Rafa Bessa. The result extends Benfica’s undefeated streak in derby matches against their cross-town rivals to nine games, continuing a run that included no losses to the rival in the previous season and an overall historical head-to-record in the Super Cup featuring three prior wins for Benfica and two for Sporting.

The triumph hands coach Edu Castro’s reigning national champions their first silverware of the 2026/27 campaign, softening the blow of their recent semifinal exit at the Elite Cup against Óquei de Barcelos.

Benfica secures tenth Super Cup title at Santo Tirso

Where was the 2026 Super Cup match played?

The match took place at the Municipal Pavilion of Santo Tirso.

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Photo: CNN Portugal

How many Super Cup titles has Benfica won?

Benfica secured its tenth Antonio Livaramento Super Cup title with the victory over Sporting, trailing historical leader FC Porto, which holds 23 titles.

What led to Sporting playing with three skaters near the end of the match?

Following a disputed goal by Gonçalo Pinto in the 48th minute, Sporting substitute Alessandro Verona received a red card for protests. Because it was the second time the team’s substitutes were sanctioned during the match, the Lions finished the contest with only three outfield players.

About the author: Javier Moreno - Sports Editor

Former sideline reporter and FIFA‑accredited correspondent. Javier covers football, boxing, and Olympic sports, blending analytics with athlete‑focused storytelling. Javier Moreno offers in‑depth sports coverage, live analysis, and exclusive interviews from global arenas.